Islam in Zambia
Islam by country |
---|
![]() |
![]() |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Zambia_Lusaka_Independence_Avenue_Krzysztof_B%C5%82a%C5%BCyca_2011.jpg/200px-Zambia_Lusaka_Independence_Avenue_Krzysztof_B%C5%82a%C5%BCyca_2011.jpg)
The arrival of Islam in Zambia dates after the 12th century onwards when Muslims established emirates on the coast of East Africa. During that period Muslim slave merchants extended their business to the hinterland regions reaching Zambia in the period of the Omani dynasty Al Bu Said. Muslim traders entered Zambia from their trading bases on the coast of Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique.
Many Muslims entered Zambia during the colonial period, primarily came from the Indian subcontinent establishing themselves along the railways in the central part of the country from Livingstone to Lusaka.[1]
Demographics[]
In 2014, there are 59.000 muslim in Zambia, representing 0.4% of total population.[2] Although Zambia is officially a "Christian Nation" there is freedom of religion and Muslims generally are accepted in the society. The vast majority of Muslims in Zambia are Sunni. A small Ismaili Shia community is also present. There are about 500 people belonging to the Ahmadiyya sect in Islam.[3]
Most Zambian Muslims are of Indian descent though there is a significant native convert community. Immigrants from West Africa and the Middle East comprise the rest of the Muslim population.[4]
References[]
- ^ Juergensmeyer, Mark; Roof, Wade Clark (2011). Encyclopedia of Global Religion. SAGE Publications. pp. 1399–1400. ISBN 978-1-4522-6656-5.
- ^ "Zambia Religion Facts & Stats". www.nationmaster.com. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- ^ Some basics of religious education in Zambia. 2007. ISBN 9789982073370. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
- ^ Taylor, Scott D. (2006). Culture and Customs of Zambia. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 35. ISBN 978-0-313-33246-3.
External links[]
![]() |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Islam in Zambia. |
- Islam in Zambia
- Islam by country stubs
- Zambia stubs